Contents

Overview

'BMW have built their reputation almost solely on the touring virtues of their flat twins, so it was a pleasant reminder when I rode the R80 that a balance of performance and ride properties can produce a versatility based on excellent rather than average capability in every department.' - Bike magazine, July 1980. BMW's first 'R80' (nominally 800cc) model was the R80/7 introduced in 1977 as replacement for the 750cc BMW R75/7. Like its predecessor, the R80/7 was powered by BMW's traditional air-cooled flat-twin engine coupled to low-maintenance shaft final drive transmission. Engineered to BMW's customarily high standards, the R80/7 was far from cheap and in 1978 cost around 40% more than Yamaha's similarly shaft-driven XS750 tourer.

Engine

The engine was a air cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke. A 84.8mm bore x 70.6mm stroke result in a displacement of just 797.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a overhead valves (ohv).

Drive

The bike has a 5-speed transmission.

Chassis

It came with a 90/90-18 front tire and a 120/90-18 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via single disc in the front and a expanding brake in the rear. The R80 was fitted with a 5.81 Gallon (22.00 Liters) fuel tank. The bike weighed just 418.88 pounds (190.0 Kg).